questions about bigger tanks

[mkriegs]

I recently upgraded from a little 10 gal. tank to a 30 gal. tank and I have a couple concerns about it. First off, it's just a little wal-mart sterlite tank and I've filled it with 20 gallons of electrolyte (~160 pounds) so it's bulging on the sides quite a bit, to the point where the lid doesn't even come close to fitting. Every time I look at it I get worried that it's going to break open and dissolve the concrete floor. Also, I know I'm going to need to move it eventually, and when that happens do you guys have any tips I supposed to move 160 pounds of sulfuric acid safely? (I'm not talking about disposal, but how to physically move it)

[Grumple]

I'm a newby at this so don't rely on me...but I would build a dolly with wooden sides or get or build a better container to start with. How about a 30 gallon cooler with a mechanics creeper under it?
Grumple

[sswee]

Originally Posted by mkriegs

I recently upgraded from a little 10 gal. tank to a 30 gal. tank and I have a couple concerns about it. First off, it's just a little wal-mart sterlite tank and I've filled it with 20 gallons of electrolyte (~160 pounds) so it's bulging on the sides quite a bit, to the point where the lid doesn't even come close to fitting. Every time I look at it I get worried that it's going to break open and dissolve the concrete floor. Also, I know I'm going to need to move it eventually, and when that happens do you guys have any tips I supposed to move 160 pounds of sulfuric acid safely? (I'm not talking about disposal, but how to physically move it)

Been in that boat. The sterlite tanks are a little light for that much weight as a stand alone tank. When using the sterlite tank, I built a wooden support box out of scrap to help it hold its original shape. Even the thicker walled tanks recommend bracing for areas 18" or more in height or length.
As for moving a tank that size, the easiest way I've found is to get enough 5 gal buckets to hold the acid in the tank. Siphon NOT by sucking on the hose but feed the hose into the tank to fill the hose, place a rubber gloved thumb over the hose end and pull back out into the container to be filled.
If you are interested in a heavier tank, let me know and I will find the links to a couple of places that sell them at a decent price.
SS

[Grumple]

I would be interested in the links on the bigger tanks so I can determine if I should start small or dive right in.
Thanks,
Grumple

[destroyer125]

What size tank are you looking to dive right in on? Bigger tanks require bigger pumps, outside units to chill the bath, more power sources, bigger cathodes, etc. Ive slowly been putting cash into this setup, its still not operational though. I have a 70 gallon 3/4" thick tank there and some 40 gallon tanks behind that for dye and sealer.

[destroyer125]

Also, The easiest way of draining that tank is to go to harbor freight and buy one of their small $5 fountain pumps and the correct size tubing. It might not last long, but it will make draining the tank easy. I use them to agigtate my dyes, they work great for mixing up buckets of dye, as some colors cannot use air for agigtation.

[Z]

If you have the cash and plan on doing a lot of work I'd suggest diving into a bigger set-up. Like destroyer said you will have to buy more materials but over all it should be worth it in the long run.

[mkriegs]

Thanks for the responses, I'll probably just be bracing the tank I have now and next time I upgrade I'll remember to stay away from sterlite tanks.

ps - that link with the tank suppliers would be helpful too.

[acidrain]

Like Sswee said, build a plywood box for it, but I would also add 2in EPS insulating foam. All my tanks are in boxes (with lids), and they hold the temp very well.

[sswee]

These places have all sizes, thick walled and acid rated.
SS

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